James Taylor Taps His Still
4 Out Of 5 Stars
This was the moment that James Taylor became comfortable with his music again. "New Moon Shine" threw off the studio gauze that began clouding his albums from "Flag" onward, coating everything with less distinction than each album to follow, to nearly a point of parody ("That's Why I'm Here" and "Never Die Young" for the smarmiest examples). But for his first album of the 90's, Taylor dumped the Vegas glitter and cheesy somnambulant oldies covers to make shimmering, country-folk album that reminded us of what a true talent the man possesses.
"Copperline" is almost textbook James Taylor; the story of growing up in the backwoods and going back. Told with a touch of nostalgia, a shot of wistfulness and a dash of disappointment, it captures just what makes him a great songwriter. Then there's "Native Son," where Taylor uses the life of a Civil War soldier to comment on the Gulf War, beautifully. Not as successful but still a lot of fun is "Slap Leather," using a rollicking arrangement and cowboy metaphors to rail against the obliviousness of the 80's narcissism. (And may be the only song to use the words "Big Mac Falafel" as part of the lyric.)
"New Moon Shine" was notable also for the fact that Taylor was returning more to the traditional roots of his earlier singer songwriter confessional days. "Shine a Little Light" does this well, as does "The Water Is Wide," a traditional song Taylor covers exquisitely well. He's playful ("Got to Stop Thinking About That"), humorous ("Frozen Man") and earnest ("Copperline") is ways he hadn't allowed himself in many a moon. The only dud is the obligatory oldie, a so-so cover of Sam Cooke's "Everybody Loves To Cha Cha." "New Moon Shine" was James Taylor, reinvigorated, and set the course for the rest of his decade.
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